Kenningtons Primary Academy

About Kenningtons Primary Academy

Kenningtons Primary Academy sits within the Thurrock local authority, where it ranks 7th out of 39 primary schools in the area, placing it comfortably in the top 25% of its peers. The school’s nearest Outstanding-rated neighbour is Dilkes Academy, 1.5 km away, while the top-performing schools in the LA include Quarry Hill Academy, Chadwell St Mary Primary School and St Mary's Catholic Primary School. Kenningtons itself earned an Outstanding rating from Ofsted in its most recent graded inspection in February 2025, a significant jump from its previous Good rating in 2014. The inspection team awarded top marks across every category judged: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. With 415 pupils on a capacity of 420, the school is nearly full, and oversubscription data for 2025/26 confirms its popularity — 78 applications for 50 places, with 42 first-preference offers.

Academically, Kenningtons performs well above the Thurrock average. At Key Stage 2 in 2023/24, 79% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with the LA average of 67%. The school’s ranking score of 79 places it in the top 25% nationally, and 11% of pupils achieved the higher standard across all three subjects. In reading, the average scaled score was 108, with 39% reaching the higher standard; in maths, the average was 106, with 25% at the higher level. Writing saw 25% of pupils achieve greater depth. These results are particularly strong given that 16% of pupils are eligible for free school meals. The school’s progress scores are not available in the data, but the attainment figures alone suggest a consistent focus on pushing pupils beyond the expected level, especially in reading.

The school offers a broad range of facilities including a sensory room, ICT suite, music rooms, art studios, forest school, gymnasium, sports hall and library. Sports provision covers athletics, swimming, dance, cricket, tennis and rounders, while clubs include film, drama, choir, eco club and art club. Kenningtons has a nursery provision for children from age three, and its SEND support covers specific learning difficulties, moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, hearing impairment and autistic spectrum disorder. Parent View responses from 100 families in the 2024/25 period were overwhelmingly positive: 97% agreed their child is happy, 94% felt the school ensures good behaviour, and 92% would recommend the school. However, the SEND support question drew a more mixed response, with 15% strongly disagreeing that needs are met. This is a school that suits families seeking strong academic outcomes in a well-equipped, oversubscribed setting with a clear focus on personal development.

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